There are many villages and towns along the Clutha Gold Trail for you to explore. Take the time to soak in the unique atmosphere of these villages as you pass by.
Immerse yourself in our heritage, enjoy the friendliness of our locals and ensure you stop to appreciate our local flavours.
Lake Roxburgh Village
Lake Roxburgh Village offers an insight into the building of one of New Zealand’s important hydro dams. It is also a stepping off point for exploring Lake Roxburgh. The lake is ideal for water sports and well stocked with both brown and rainbow trout. The Village has quality accommodation and dining.
Roxburgh
Roxburgh is a stunningly beautiful fruit growing hub and recreational paradise 30 minutes south of Alexandra in the Teviot Valley. It is flanked by rocky, tussock-clad high country and nestled on the mighty Clutha River. The valley always looks spectacular whether in full spring blossom or blanketed in autumn’s golden and red hues.
Ettrick
Ettrick lies at the southern end of the beautiful Teviot Valley, 10 minutes south of Roxburgh. Founded by Scottish settlers during the gold rush in the 1860s this small township is named after Ettrick Valley in Scotland. It is one of the first places in New Zealand where settlers grew apples.
Millers Flat
Enjoy the charm of each special discovery at Millers Flat which is located at the southern end of the Teviot Valley south of Roxburgh. Visit Horseshoe Bend and walk to the only suspension bridge remaining across the Clutha River. Encounter the Lonely Graves or plan a visit to the popular Millers Flat rodeo.
Beaumont
Beaumont is situated 20 km to the north-west of Lawrence, Beaumont is a peaceful village surrounded by two striking natural features in the Blue mountains and the Clutha River. The area offers excellent trout and salmon fishing, bush walks, tramping, jet boating with Beaumont Jets, rafting and cycling.
Settlers arrived to Beaumont in the late 1850's as people migrated inland. Beaumont was originally named Dunkeld by the surveyor John Turnbull Thomson, a Gaelic name from Perthshire, Scotland, meaning Fort of the Caledonians. But although Dunkeld was on the first survey maps, the nearby Beaumont Burn was more familiar to residents of the area who continued to go to “the Beaumont” or the “Beaumont Ferry.” Inevitably, they called the area Beaumont - a French name meaning beautiful mountain.
For eleven years, Beaumont served as the terminus of a branch line railway that ran from a junction with the Main South Line in Milton. The railway reached Beaumont in 1914 and an extension to Millers Flat was not opened until 1925. This line ultimately became the Roxburgh Branch and operated until 1968. Relics of the railway still remain, including a stock yard and a bridge over the Beaumont River.
Annual events include a Clutha River Fishing Competition at Easter, a Beaumont Hunting Competition every August, and a motorcycle rally. A myriad of enthusiasts come to Beaumont to participate.
Lawrence
Lawrence was Otago's first gold-rush town, in the Tuapeka District, it was originally named The Junction, and then later renamed after the British war hero who defended Lucknow during the 1857 Indian Mutiny.
At the height of the gold fever, it's population was 11,500; double that of Dunedin, making it one of the largest communities in the country. It is hard to believe that now with a current population of only 550.
Today, Lawrence is a peaceful farming centre and picturesque tourist stopover with its beautiful trees, walking tracks, gold diggings and museum. Gabriel's Gully (follow the signposts from Lawrence) contains Blue Spur, the scene of New Zealand's first hydraulic elevator.
Situated 92km south-west of Dunedin on State Highway 8, nestled in the rolling hills of Clutha Country, Lawrence is an ideal place to stop for coffee, lunch and to stretch your legs, or use the free internet access and free international phone service at the Information Centre; explore and stay at a number of quality and historical accommodation facilities ranging from motels to bed and breakfast and camping grounds.